title: The scent-diffusing ventilator for rehabilitation of olfactory function after laryngectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The larynx bypass (LB) is the only device capable of providing laryngectomy patients with the ability to smell. Our findings regarding one-time and long-term use did reveal an improved olfactory function in these patients. Because the LB is difficult to use, however, it is not appropriate for everyday use. Therefore, we devised a new instrument: the scent-diffusing ventilator (SV).
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2006 and February 2007, we researched the olfactory function of 16 patients who had undergone a laryngectomy (13 men/3 women; median age, 63 years) by using the LB and the SV. Their olfactory function was measured with the Sniffin' Sticks test battery. Further practicability of both methods was determined through a visual analog scale (1-10).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients' olfactory function significantly improved (SV median 8 versus LB median 7; p < 0.002). In addition, the SV was much easier to use than the LB (median, 6 versus 5; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further technical improvements are necessary to make the SV an established part of the rehabilitation of the olfactory function after laryngectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Smell and Taste Consultation Service, Berlin, Germany. oender.goektas@charite.de
authors.forename: Oender
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Goektas
authors.forename: Franca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fleiner
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Frieler
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Scherer
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paschen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015000:Yawning / Q000502:physiology*